“Typhoon in the Philippines kills 12, affects over 200,000 people.”

The Philippines is reeling from the impact of its second most powerful tropical storm of 2026, Basyang, which has claimed at least 12 lives and displaced thousands due to severe flooding and landslides. According to the Civil Defence Office (OCD), the deadliest incidents were reported on the southern island of Mindanao, where heavy rainfall triggered deadly landslides.

Data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) indicates that northern Mindanao, along with neighbouring Negros Island and other regions, experienced record-breaking rainfall. Entire villages were submerged, leaving more than 232,000 residents directly affected by the storm’s fury.

The disaster forced approximately 64,000 families to evacuate their homes and seek shelter in safer areas. Currently, around 16,000 families are accommodated in government-run evacuation centres, although many more remain at risk due to continuing hazardous conditions.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that northern Mindanao recorded the highest rainfall in a century. The excessive downpour caused rivers to overflow, washing away three critical bridges in areas including Iligan City. In addition, drainage systems collapsed in several locations, resulting in severe waterlogging.

Maritime operations have also been disrupted. The storm prompted the closure of 82 seaports across the MIMAROPA and Caraga regions, stranding over 4,000 passengers and several hundred cargo vessels mid-journey.

While Basyang weakened into a low-pressure system in the early hours of Saturday, 7 February, officials have warned that affected areas remain at high risk of further landslides and heavy rainfall. Emergency services continue to monitor rivers and high-risk slopes, issuing advisories to residents to remain vigilant.

The NDRRMC has been coordinating relief efforts, including distributing food, water, and essential supplies to affected communities. Authorities have urged the public to comply with evacuation orders and avoid travelling in flood-affected zones.

Impact Summary of Tropical Storm ‘Basyang’ in the Philippines

Authorities continue to emphasise that the recovery process will be slow, particularly in remote and rural areas of Mindanao. Relief operations are ongoing, with focus on restoring infrastructure and providing immediate assistance to displaced families.